Chris Murray: Oregon must tap potential to crack top 3

RGJ sports columnist Chris Murray is one of 60 voters in the college football AP poll. Here's a look at the biggest movers and shakers in his poll this week.

On the rise

No. 3 Stanford leapfrogs Oregon after beating No. 15 Washington. I'm not convinced Oregon isn't the nation's best team, but I base my poll on what each team has achieved and No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Stanford all have bigger wins than No. 4 Oregon. No. 16 Baylor moved up two spots after another rout (the Bears are averaging 70.5 ppg). No. 23 Missouri and No. 25 Nebraska moved onto my ballot.

On the fall

It was an upset-free weekend. No. 15 Washington lost to Stanford, but the Huskies didn't fall. That was a coin-flip game on the road. If anything, it makes Washington look better. Northwestern also lost a tough game, to No. 5 Ohio State, and fell just one spot from 19 to 20. Maryland, which was destroyed by Florida State, and Arizona State, which lost to Notre Dame, both fell off my ballot.

The unbeatens

Seventeen unbeaten teams remain, which seems like a high number through Week 6 of the season. Fifteen of those are on my ballot this week. The two that miss out are Northern Illinois and Houston. Then there's Ohio State, which has won 17 straight (every game under Urban Meyer). With just one tough test left (at Michigan in the season finale), the Buckeyes might be the best bet to go undefeated

Quick look at the Pack

After an overtime loss to San Diego State on Friday, the Nevada football team has a bye this week. The Wolf Pack next plays at Boise State on Oct. 19.

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Chris Murray: Oregon must tap potential to crack top 3

RGJ sports columnist Chris Murray is one of 60 voters in the college football AP poll. Here's a look at the biggest movers and shakers in his poll this week.

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